IPL 2025: ‘Please don't play Nitish Kumar Reddy in Bangladesh T20I series’: SRH's stance revealed

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) may be facing a major dilemma ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, as rising star Nitish Kumar Reddy's potential international debut could jeopardize their retention plans.

The 21-year-old batting all-rounder is all set to make his India debut soon, having been named in India’s squad for the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh.

If the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) all-rounder receives his debut cap during the upcoming three-match T20I series, Nitish will be entering the IPL 2025 mega auction as a capped player, which will drastically change his value and make it tough for SRH to retain him under new auction rules.

Nitish Kumar Reddy's potential India debut can change SRH's plans

Nitish Kumar Reddy was a revelation for SRH in the IPL 2024, where he scored 303 runs at an impressive strike rate of 142.92 across 13 matches. His performances quickly made him one of the most talked-about young talents in the tournament.

However, as per the latest IPL regulations, franchises are only allowed to retain a maximum of five capped players before the auction. With Nitish Kumar Reddy potentially making his debut for the Indian cricket team, SRH might be forced to make a tough call, something cricket analyst Aakash Chopra highlighted as a major concern for the SRH.

With SRH already stacked with capped talents, Nitish Kumar Reddy's international debut could put him on the radar of other franchises in the upcoming IPL 2025 mega auction, according to Chopra.

Chopra suggested that SRH would likely prioritize retaining captain Pat Cummins, along with Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Travis Head as their capped players for the next IPL season. So, SRH would be praying that Nitish Kumar Reddy remains uncapped until the IPL 2025 mega auction.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) praying for Nitish Kumar Reddy to stay uncapped: Aakash Chopra

Akash Chopra said on his YouTube channel: “They would be praying that Nitish Kumar Reddy remains uncapped. They would be saying, 'Please don't play him in the T20I series.' Just like Harshit Rana, his name is also there on that team, and if he gets a chance to play, he will also become capped.”

The former Indian cricketer further noted, “They have to firstly retain the captain and Abhishek Sharma. You have to retain Heinrich Klaasen, and it's great if you can get Travis Head. These four names come to mind, to begin with. Pat Cummins, since he is the captain and he managed the team very well, you will want to retain him.

Abhishek Sharma is a no-brainer. If Abhishek Sharma goes into the auction, he can go from 10 to 18 crores; he can go to any amount. So, retain him as well. Abhishek Sharma will be my second pick.”

With experienced all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube already in the squad, it's highly unlikely that Nitish Kumar Reddy will make it into India's playing XI in the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh.

However, if India wins the first two matches and seals the T20I series, the Indian team management might consider giving Nitish Kumar Reddy a debut cap in the third and final game against the Tigers.